Changes Happening…

May 26, 2015

Hello all, hope you had a wonderful long weekend (if you are in the US) and wonderful regular weekend if you aren’t!

First of all I would like to say if you saw my update on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook yesterday about blogging I was a bit hasty and didn’t really say what I meant to say. So I figured I would write it all out on my ACTUAL blog.

I’m going to be cutting back on blogging for the foreseeable future. I didn’t mean to imply I won’t be blogging at all anymore (which is what I said basically yesterday) but rather I am going to blog when I feel like it. There are numerous reasons but the main one is the good ‘ole standard that every blogger who has been blogging for this long says: it’s no longer much fun anymore.

Ever since I decided to leave my job and make a go of this three years ago, blogging has become something not only that I wanted to do but something that I had to do. I’ve made myself post 1-2 times per day during the week (most days) even when I had no desire to. I felt I needed a schedule because if I didn’t have one my blog numbers would tank. I needed to keep up with all the new collections otherwise no one would visit my blog. Well I’ve been doing all that and you know what? I am completely dissatisfied and bored. And when it all boils down to it, no one really cares who gets the new collections out first. And I know that because my numbers say so. I can work my butt off on a huge new MAC collection, be one of the first to post swatches, and barely get any views or comments. Or I can work 1/4 as much on some small new drugstore item and suddenly tons of people view and comment on that post.

Forcing myself to post products ASAP has completely taken all the fun out of the entire reason I started blogging in the first place, which was to have a fun, creative outlet to talk about things I was excited about. It’s kind of a double-edged sword because I wanted to do this for a living so badly (and let me just say the whole “for a living” part is just a saying, no one can live in the Bay Area off blogging unless they have a spouse supporting them as well) because I loved it so much, but once I started doing just that, it became kind of a burden to me. It was a super-fun hobby and now a not-so-much fun job.

Things have really changed in the last few years with beauty blogging which has also made me a bit weary of the future. Many brands/PR companies have stopped sending much or any products for review, which is basically what I rely on in order to be able to show you all the new goodies. I obviously cannot afford to buy everything new myself, so if the brand doesn’t send it, then chances are you won’t see it reviewed here. Another trend is many brands are now only working with Instagram and/or YouTube people with huge followings, so they won’t send review product to many bloggers (cough, ColourPop, cough).

Going forward I am going to blog when I feel like it. When something strikes my fancy. When I have something to show and say. I’m not going to make myself slog through yet another boring product review just to get a post up that day. It’s going to be hard because I still kind of feel like I have to post every day (or what, the world will end?) but I am going to try. I have a couple sponsored posts coming up that I committed to already so I will be posting those. And then you will see me when I’m actually excited about something. 🙂

I may take to Instagram to show quickie photos of things that I don’t necessarily feel like doing a whole blog post about, so follow me there if you wish.

Thanks for all your support over the nearly seven years so far of this adventure, and see you soon!

While I understand that if you aren’t feeling it, you aren’t feeling it, this made me really sad to read. It seems like all the bloggers I love have cut back or quit in the last few months. Or changed almost completely over to indies only reviews (polish blogs). I don’t have instagram or twitter because they frankly annoy me, and I just don’t have many vloggers that I enjoy. Might watch one video a month. I’ll still read when you post of course, but it won’t be the same as it was.

I would MUCH rather see you and any other blogger post things they actually like rather than 50 million posts of the same product. It’s boring to read what the manufacturer pretty much writes over and over again, so I can’t imagine how boring it is to format and post. You should review books or music you like too! Just saying, put your opinion out there, you pay for your Web address.

Hey Kelly, I can definitely see where you are coming from. When here is so much stress to be the first to post, it definitely takes a lot of fun out of it. I also feel you when it comes to the big Instagrammer thing. It’s becoming a real trend, and one that I am not sure is good for regular consumers. I think brands prefer to send Instagrammers stuff because there is no room for a proper review on Instagram. They might show something and get a lot of likes, which is exposure for the brand but there is no telling how something really works (which is probably what the brand prefers in certain cases). It’s a little crazy here tho. I go to a press launch, and these up-and-coming Instagrammers come with their “photographers” (these accounts tend to be fashion-oriented, so in some cases they work with someone who takes their photos). Big brands want to seem generous, so they leave with TWO goodie bags. TWO. That is one goodie bag that could have gone to someone else. Some of these people never take their own photos, be it an outfit photo or anything else. Talent and hard work do not matter anymore nowadays, I am telling you. Nor is the ability of connecting with your readers on a different level. It’s all about being seen pretty.

When you posted on Twitter you won’t be blogging as much anymore, I kinda already knew the contents of this blog post. I was very curious how everything would work out when you left your job and had already vague feelings towards something like this. Let’s be honest: if you *must* do something and have no choice in doing so or not, it’s just not fun anymore. (Which is one reason why I will never blog for a living.)
I’ll keep my fingers crossed everything works out for you… may it either be more fun towards blogging or finding something else you like to do; I’m looking forward to the occasional blogpost you’ll write 🙂

And btw … I sure hope this “Instablogging” trend will go down soon. Instagram is not a suitable blogging platform and I fear many people are investing too much time in a medium they can’t get anything out of in a few month. Like you and other people said on twitter – you can’t even search instagram for reviews etc.Rea´s last post…Lieblingsmotive: Mirror Ball mit Extras

I know how you feel, I still have my 9-5 but even though blogging is still a hobby it can become a burden. I know what you mean about brands only wanting to work with IG/Youtube now, we have a voice and if they don’t want to take advantage of it then its their loss. I hope taking a step back helps bring back the joy blogging used to bring you!

Kelly, I read your blog every day and absolutely adore you. I love your taste in nail polish (and beautiful application), your love of animals (I’m a crazy cat lady as well), and your hair (I have a super-short pixie cut). I will miss you very, very much, but your happiness is the most important thing BY FAR.

Blogging about makeup and nail polish should be a joy, not a chore. You’re making the right choice. Please remember that if the desire returns and you want to post some nail polish swatches, readers like me will be excited to read them, and take them into careful consideration when we make our next purchases.

Vampyvarnish will always have a place in my bookmark dropdown menu thingy. Lots of love from Boston, MA!

I really really understand you. Although I’m a German Blogger and in Germany you get barely sponsored like in the US, I feel the same like you do. I love blogging and talking to others about my passion, but since a couple of months it seems like there is not that much interest in Blogs anymore.
Everybody is talking about youtube and Instagram.
I barely get any comments on my Blogposts anymore and when I connect my pictures to Instagram, everybdoy asks me about the products on Instagram, but it seems that they don’t really look on my Blog to look for more information, what really annoys me. As you know, it takes hours to prepare a blog.

Even Youtube kind of annoys me. The German Youtuber get almost everything sponsored and don’t really review the products.
We (Blogger) make pictures, review it, write our opinions about every single product and what do we get? Nothing.

You go, girl! This is why when many people ask me why I don’t do blogging full time. I want it to remain a fun hobby that I get to look forward to doing-it’s never my JOB, just a fun thing I like to do on the side and that’s where I’m going to keep it. I have started to get more into Youtube, although I didn’t really want to at first, because I do think that brands put more emphasis on that nowadays which isn’t fair, in my opinion, to leave out the people who write as well. But, so is the industry, I guess!
Great post 🙂Kelly B.´s last post…How to Get Beachy Hair Away from the Beach Using John Frieda Beach Blonde!

Noooo! I love your blog- it’s one of my top five. Your nail polish reviews/swatches are awesome. I know you need to make yourself happy, but you will be sorely missed. And thanks for giving a heads up- some bloggers just vanish into the Internet without even a goodbye.
I do hope you come back and blog from time to time!
Also from Boston,
karyn

I completely understand, and I want to know you’re blogging because you like it, not because you feel you have to. I will say your blog is my favorite and the first I read, so your voice will be missed.

I am really sad to hear how you’ve been treated in the blogging industry. I’ve always enjoyed reading your blogs, and think they are much more valuable than watching a “MUA” in a YouTube video trying to push products. I really hope these trendy brands are just a phase, because if I have to keep hearing about how awesome ColourPop is I’m going to vomit 😉 Keep doing what you enjoy, it shouldn’t be a chore. Look forward to seeing what you post about next!

I’ve seen Dutch bloggers do the same, no longer able to write once or twice a day! It is a bit sad but on the other hand, the content improves in quality. Just take your time 🙂
I will miss you on my bloglovin feed. I always enjoy your reviews and your lip swatches (mostly MAC) are very helpful to me, being the same skintone as you are.
The shift to youtube and instagram does really bother me. I just wanna read and look at pretty pictures.. Blogging is just a perfect and complete platform. I don’t have an inatagram account and I may be boycotting them a little longer haha

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog, even though you haven’t been feeling it as much recently. Your down to earth and thorough approach is wonderful. I hope this new mindset helps you feel happier about everything and I look forward to future posts!

Although I’ll miss reading your blog more often, I can surely understand. Many blogging friends have been doing the same, taking a step back. I just hope you keep posting on Facebook and sharing the antics and photos of Parker! 🙂

I’d rather see you post something because you love it/are excited about it, rather than because you feel an obligation from a press sample. I think when you love what you are blogging about it shows through. I’m very glad to hear you aren’t giving it up completely, your pictures are some of the best and most color accurate out there <3

I like the idea of posting quickie reviews on instagram, but maybe that’s just because I’m always on instagram lol. I do think it isn’t fair when makeuo brands that make more than enough money are so stingy with press samples or products sent for review. I too have also noticed youtubers getting sent way more product and such and idk if it’s because instagram mere and youtubers are based off of followers and subscribers? Anyways you need to do what makes you happy and I’d probably be exhausted too if I was posting multiple times a day every day.

Hi Kelly! I haven’t been blogging that long, but I’ve already slowed down my posts. I can’t afford new products, and I don’t get excited to post about things every other beauty blogger is posting about. Blogging can get stressful at time, so I cut back my posts 1-2 times per week. I like spending my time with my family and friends more than my computer screen. ;p

Also, I’ve found that I get most views/comments on posts with drugstore makeup– probably because it’s more affordable!Jenny´s last post…Sunday Share – Glambunctious

Bummer. Sad for us but good for you. I’ll be looking forward to seeing your posts on the things that truly excite you. The last thing that truly excited me was the Pretty Serious nail polish you posted. I would not have known about them were it not for your blog.

Kelly, I’m saddened to hear the news, you are one of my daily morning coffee reads. I’m not a commenter by nature, but I’ve really enjoyed reading you blog over the years. My favorite posts have always been about books and nail polish, as I love both. I live in the Bay Area, too, and can understand the pressure and impact of the changes here coupled with the changes in the blogging industry. I wish you the best of luck and hope having some distance from this work will open other doors and opportunities for you, as well as give you room to rediscover what you love. Thank you for your work and courage to put your point of view out into the world.?

I understand completely, I never blogged nearly as much as you but it still became more work than fun. I had hoped taking the time off would bring back the passion and it has made me miss it but I also just enjoy feeling like I can do what I want with my time and not feeling like I have to do something. I still want to start again but it’s been so long it feels odd to jump back into. I never worked very hard on mine or posted consistently and I know I could do better but I’m still not sure about devoting as much time to it again yet.

Sounds like a great decision for you. I’ve enjoyed your blog very much, but I think that if you limit posts to things you are truly excited about and want to write about, it will be even better. Good for you, and I’ll still be following.

Hi Kelly-
I wholeheartedly agree with all of the above. I’ve so enjoyed the way you blog, but I totally understand how much it sucks when something fun becomes a burden taking all the joy out of it.
All the best! Looking forward to whatever you come out with next. Be happy!

I stopped blogging last year after five years for personal reasons and for the reasons you mention as well. It stopped being fun and I always felt the pressure to post everyday. I enjoyed the ride though and ended up making lots of new friends. I would rather you blog a few times a week about whatever you want especially the kitties!

Long, long, long time follower here. I am happy that you are making a decision that is for YOU, not anyone else. I have so enjoyed all your posts/swatches/reviews over the years…the highs and the lows of your life…all of it. I maxed out on buying new polish a few years back. I had so much and it weighed on me instead of being fun. These things should bring joy! I know you won’t disappear completely, and I look forward to seeing what your blog morphs into. You are a good writer, and I love your sense of humor and compassion for animals. Be well!!

While on the one hand I did enjoy all your posts, like so many others, I’d rather see the stuff you’re excited about, either good or bad.

The less the brands send products to bloggers for review, the less I see because I don’t do Instagram and YouTube videos take TOO LONG to watch. The less I see, the less I want, the less I buy. I’d so much rather read a good review with a couple of good curated pictures than an infinite stream of new pictures with no commentary. The commentary is actually the interesting part!

Followed you for quite a while and I am glad that you took all that pressure off yourself. This blogging thing should be fun and if you are not happy then….DON’T DO IT. At this point I my life I totally agree with what you are experiencing and saying. Life is to short not to BE HAPPY!

I support you doing what makes s you happy. 🙂 I will miss seeing your posts as often as you have been posting, but I will enjoy seeing your future posts knowing that you have wanted to write them. All the best tho you in the future!

Aww I’m sorry to hear this! I’ve been following you since almost the beginning and looooooooooove your blog! But I understand where you’re coming from. I kinda prefer the quickie reviews; no need to toil over a lengthy blog post if the product is nothing “outstanding”. I’m looking forward to a more personalized Kelly-fied blog ?

Kelly, I have always liked your blog and relied on your reviews so I will miss reading your posts. I agree with you and Sunny that the consumer suffers when products are not reviewed with honesty or not reviewed at all. This can be extremely important for nail polish, for instance. Sure great photography and lighting can make us admire a nail polish color, but what about the formula? I know I’m not the only one thinking “but how many coats did it take” . You and other bloggers answer these questions that help us decide “to buy or not to buy”. It also holds manufacturers accountable, and tells them where they need to improve. I’m gonna miss your reviews and photos, especially the OPI collections. In case you are wondering, you did have an impact. I wish you happiness.

UGH, this, right here! One perfect pic in a lightbox can make anything look good, but without the words to describe how much work it took to whip that polish into shape? Meh, useless.Michelle´s last post…Julep Reece & a quick comparison

Kelly: Your blog was the very first one I started reading and your blog has been a regular read of mine for years. I didn’t comment much since I don’t have a blog myself and it seemed that only other bloggers commented, but I have always looked forward to seeing and reading your posts. You introduced me to many new exciting nail polish brands and I appreciated it even if my wallet didn’t LOL!!! I certainly hope taking a step back will allow you to take a deep breath and find the joy in blogging again by talking about what you are interested in and gives you joy. I will be keeping an eye out for blogs in the future. 😎

Kelly, I have quietly been reading and watching your blog for years now and have thoroughly enjoyed it. This is actually my very first post! You do a great job and I will be excited when I see a Vampy Varnish treat in my email in the future. Sometimes less is more. And I know it’ll be something you’re excited about so I’ll be excited to read it. Thank-you for all your hard work and dedication to us readers! And good for you for doing what makes you happy! I’m a full believer in that. All the best and looking forward to what your future blog brings!

As someone who studies Internet Comms at uni I have been watching the blogging scene with worry for sometime. Many of my favourite authentic bloggers are disappearing and those I did love are taking more and more commercial work to stay afloat. It is very sad and I wish I had an answer.

I am sad you will be posting less but glad you are going to do what makes you happy. Good luck with it all!

Going to be a little sad there won’t be as many updates because you are my favorite beauty blogger; been visiting you since 2007-ish(?). On the other hand, if this means you’ll be around longer then that’s great! I think you should totally step back a bit so you can regain your passion for beauty blogging 🙂

As much as I’m sad to hear that you won’t be posting as frequently, I’m much, much more glad to hear that you’re going to be posting about what you love, and at a frequency that works for you. I’ve been following your blog for a really long time, and can’t imagine not having it to read at all! Blogging has certainly gone through some interesting changes in the past few years.

Kelly, I have loved your blog since I first discovered it 3 years ago. I don’t comment much but it’s been a staple in my daily viewing habits! Life is short and you should do what makes you happy. I absolutely support you and wish you all the best as you find your new routine. You have a ton of supporters and I hope they all feel the same way – You do YOU. What I’ve loved about your blog, besides the product reviews, are posts like this. You have never been afraid to be real with your followers, and that is uncommon. The internet is full of trolls and hateful people, but it’s also full of people who support, learn from, and inspire one another. You are one of those people! Thanks for all that you’ve done and I will continue to follow you, and not get angry when you don’t post every day 😉

I found your blog when looking for a makeup review, but I kept on reading. In fact, I blame you for my current nail polish obsession. It started when you posted a review of a Pretty Serious nail polish color that was so amazing I had to buy it. It’s all been downhill since…

You are one of 3 blogs that I read each day as a bit of a mental break at work. I’m sad you won’t be posting as much at work, but it sounds like you’re the one who needs the mental break. Good luck!

Congratulations, Kelly, on moving forward with your life! I think you should look at this as more of the beginning of a new chapter rather than the close of something. It can be very hard to make a big change like this, but I think personal happiness and family has to come first and only you know how you feel about blogging. I’m sorry brands aren’t supporting bloggers as much these days : (

I’ve been a loyal reader for years and I was initially engaged because this was truly something that worked for you then. As much as I love makeup, I invest in my daily blogs more for the fact that it’s fun for the writer (which is always apparent to the readers) rather than due to the topic. So, if you ever end up writing about publishing, literature, pets, etc….just instagram us!

I will definitely miss your posts. But remember- life is definitely too short to not go for something something you are 100% passionate about. Find that new passion (if you haven’t already) or new format and go for it. Take time to explore. Congratulations again on all your success here!

Hi Kelly,
(please apologize my awkward english, I’m french 😉 )
A part of your post stroke me at first : is it really 3 years since you started blogging for a living ? Wow, but it actually coincide if I look back, yeah, I remember reading your blog when I lived here and when I started working there and there. What I mean is that your blog is kind of a piece of my life more truly a piece beside but still, I remember when you said you would quit your office job and felt happy for you. It’s hardly believable how frequently I come to read this blog compared to how few comments I wrote, if I ever wrote a comment at all.

Truth is, recently, I mostly came to see if there was anything new (and there always was) and just scrolled to watch the pictures, sometimes I read the review. I guess that without knowing your feelings or guessing anyhow, I started to feel your boredom in your blog posts. Your blog still feels like “home”, it probably reads weird but I just read it almost daily for the sake of feeling that. Not that I am obsessed by you, don’t worry, but I just need my usual set of blogs. Well, end of the gibberish. My point is that I am now paradoxically happy to read this post, and to know that with less articles, I will feel the writer that you are behind the screen. More soul, in a word. You have courage to accept that this change in your life might be another step that is now over. This is the best way to go further forward in your life!

Go on and enjoy your spare time (or job or whatever!)
Thank you for the blog, and for sharing the same skin tone as me 😉 (yeah your swatches attracter me first :p)

I just wanted to say that I love VV and I appreciate the fact that you do take the time to do thoughtful, honest reviews. I will often look to see if you have reviewed a product that I am thinking about buying, especially nail polish! That being said, life is too short to be doing something full time that doesn’t give you joy. One of the reasons I love your blog is that you put a lot of your personality and self into it. Looking forward to your future posts however often they may be.

Good for you that you know yourself well enough though to know its time to switch things up. ☺️

Do what makes you happy, live for yourself.
Of course you will be missed, but your life and happiness comes first.
Sad to see so many great bloggers stepping down on their activity, and I think it’s bad that burn-out in the blogging community is so “normal”. We should be better at taking care of ourselves than that.

I hear you! My blog is small and I never really got much in the way of freebies but what little there was has dried up. I review what I buy for me. It’s tough because I want to out there getting new pieces from most of the new collections but I just can’t afford them. I had hoped to bring in some modest income with my blog, but that hasn’t been the case. Being a military family doesn’t really lend to job stability for me personally so it’s been a challenge leaving a 15-year career and being the breadwinner to being the “work where and when you can” military spouse I am today. I run my blog mostly for something to do because when I don’t have a day job, I’d go crazy without it!

Your daily posts will be missed but I’m really happy to see you following your heart. Life is too short to be unhappy and yes, I completely understand when you say living in the Bay Area is so expensive! Best of luck with everything and I look forward to reading your next post. xx

I think this is very wise and smart decision to make. And I’m glad you were honest about what blogging has REALLY become. Blogs are more or less the new magazines: there is tremendous pressure to churn out the newest products just so companies can bring in more profit.

I have also stepped back from my blog because I’ve been very busy, and I can’t write posts when I’m under a lot of stress. I also don’t want to give readers less than they deserve, so I’m not going to write a lackluster review just for the sake of posting on a daily basis.

I completely understand, Kelly. My own blog is fairly new, but I already know it’s not going to be a full-time thing for me because it’s done for fun and because I love jewelry. I don’t post every day because it would suck the fun out of it.

I look forward to reading future posts, regardless of how much time passes between them. Your posts are the best!Christina´s last post…Garnet & Pearl Gold Ring

I know this pain all too well. (((HUGS))) My makeup is running down my face right now. >.< I decided to pursue a career in something I loved and I ended up the same way in about the same amount of time (7 years). It's very, very hard.

I understand 100% and will always support your blog no matter what. I'll be sure to subscribe via email as my usual habit is to just check out my favorite blogs (VV included) via bookmarks that I have or if I see something is going up while I'm on Twitter. Since you won't be posting as much I'll subscribe so I know exactly when you post. I'll also keep following you on Twitter and Instagram. <3

I'll give my reason/s as to why I didn't have as much interest in the MAC posts: MAC puts out extremely limited edition collections every other day and by the time I can see some swatches and read some reviews on blogs I trust (like yours) all the good stuff is sold out. It's MAC's fault. It takes a great deal of time and effort to swatch, photograph, write, etc. It's A LOT. Your photographs are always beautiful and your swatches are always accurate – I'm sure that doesn't happen without a great deal of care.

I feel disgusted that certain companies are not sending you press samples. It is obvious that you work incredibly hard to capture and curate photographs which show the beauty of the products in addition to writing honest insightful reviews.

The pressure to post daily is RIDICULOUSLY high. Bloglovin' offers an option where a person can remove and/or filter out blogs that do not post daily! Or weekly! It really hurt me when I saw that. I thought about how the brilliant artists of the past sometimes took FIVE YEARS to create ONE PAINTING. It breaks my heart that our culture would never afford anyone the gift of years to create let alone A WEEK WITHOUT POSTING. <—name of my next book XD

It's also sad to hear that companies are relying so heavily on Instagram. I feel like I wouldn't be able to get enough information about collections. It's great for quick product shots and quickie swatches…but not much more in this respect. A perfect example is NYX. They put an image of their upcoming Macaroon Lippies Collection on Instagram along with some quick swatches. It reminded me of a minute long teaser trailer for a movie. A blog post with high resolution photographs (like yours!) and a full review is like the feature length trailer. This is just a random example that I thought of on the spot so I hope it makes sense.

YouTube has it's good points. I enjoy Phyrra's videos a lot! However, I also read her blog posts and check out her still photographs. I don't think I could rely strictly on a YT video for product reviews and swatches. The live nail polish application videos on YT are helpful as they show the formula of the polish plus the final result. Unique tutorials are also something that practically requires a video. However, when it comes to product reviews and news I look to blogs that I trust. Your lippie swatches alone have brought so many lovely colors to my stash! ENDLESS THANKS! .< Again, I'll subscribe and be keeping an eye out for any posts you may make. I hope with time you find yourself able to make them with joy and love again. <3

Hey Kelly.. In 2011-12, I was in the US and came across some brands like WetnWild which were very affordable on my pocket. I started searching for the reviews, when I stumbled up on your blog on the megalast colors. I bought the entire (almost) collection, just by looking into your swatches. I have returned back to India in 2012, but I still continue to open your blog every morning to see what you have posted. I love the way you write and would like you to be back soon. You deserve a break… take one… but I am gonna miss you… Take care!

I really love your blog, it’s one of my favorites. I always look forward to new posts from you 🙂 I totally understand how you feel, I did the same thing with my own blog. I felt like I had to write and have several new posts up on my blog each day, now I just post when I’m feeling inspired and I’m so much more happier with it 🙂

I’ve enjoyed reading your blog but understand why you want to step back. I buy tons of makeup, but I don’t do instagram and most youtube videos drive me crazy. I read blogs. But there are so many blogs nowadays, it’s hard to compete, and the companies are churning out so much new product, it’s hard to keep up. I’m sure the break will do you some good, life is too short to do something you don’t enjoy, so blog only when you want to.

Totally understand where you are coming from. I actually sometimes get tired of seeing all of the same new collections on every blog at the same. I mean of course it’s nice to have some of that but I also really like it when i see different posts or posts for older products.

Hopefully this new direction works for you and makes blogging fun again. 🙂

Kelly! I’ve already told you over on Instagram how you were the one that inspired me to start blogging about polish. Your posts are always so great and informative and I’ll miss them butttttt YOU GO GIRL! I’ve always wondered how you’ve kept up the pace, it was truly amazing. Honestly as a reader I will not mind fewer posts since when you do post I know it will be about something you love and are excited about! I’m looking forward to it 🙂 I’ve been blogging for almost 6 years, less than 1 year about polish, and I can already see how bloggers burn out. I get a lot of polish sent for review and I’ve started turning some down because it can be overwhelming and take the fun right out of it and I started blogging because I LOVE polish. I want to keep it that way. Like always your experiences will help me and others to make better choices in this weird blogging world we are entering. Maybe I’m old school, but while I like instagram it’s not the same as a good blog review. MORE pics and info and actual links to the products! Wow what a crazy concept lol There’s so much fakeness over on Instagram, I don’t even follow that many beauty and makeup accounts because it’s all photoshop and wannabe models haha well except for you, I follow you! I really hope you can find the joy you once did with blogging again!Angel´s last post…China Glaze Japanese Koi skeleton and Cross mani

First of all, you should always do what feels right — what your gut tells you to do — and then everything will fall in to place.

About the whole blogging things …. um, yeah…there seems to be quite a bit of dissension in the air lately; I totally get what you’re saying about the pressures of this “job” – at times I have felt so overwhelmed about getting posts out, that it basically paralyzed me into not doing anything at all. Then I realized that it doesn’t have to be that way and so I refuse to bust my butt in getting my posts out first. How does that make it fun, when you’re constantly racing against so many others? So, I’ve decided to do things at my own pace (within reason, of course) and I’m much happier with my decision, as well as still finding joy in what I do. In any case, my priorities will always be my family coming first so if PR has an issue with that, that’s ok too; I’ve made my peace with the insanity end of blogging and will always be true to myself, no matter what.

Maybe the best thing you can do right now is to take some time for yourself and to take a step back from this venture; hopefully then you’ll approach things with a new and possibly better perspective. But if not, that’s ok too because you should always do what makes you happy. I’m just glad for the opportunity to have gotten to know you and connect with you (and all your fur-babies!)

Glad to you found what makes you happy. I am venturing in the world of blogging myself. I enjoy all things beauty related and sharing that with others is fun. We can have something in common and it’s nice. And I find it a times discouraging and feel the same way, feeling like you have to be the first to post about a product. But can I say as much as I enjoy instagram and youtube for finding out what is new in the makeup world. I truly enjoy being able to go to a blog read reviews and have pictures I can see. Blogs to me are more in depth, and can be more informative. Even if it is not a 5 paragraph review, I just find them to be more informative. But in all you do I wish you embense success and I think that this blog is amazing. You Temptalia, Musing of a Muse and Nouveau Cheap are my favorites and I aspire to learn from all of you.

About Me

Hello and welcome to my blog!

My name is Kelly and I have been running Vampy Varnish since 2008. Vampy Varnish is one of the very first nail blogs and features nail polish and makeup product reviews, and swatch photos. I'm an SF/Bay Area native and proud owner of 3 cats and a dog!